With Neutral Zone being the go-to place to stay up to date with commitments around the hockey world, here is the latest installment of players who have committed to the NCAA and CHL. Players who commit after 12pm EDT on Oct. 6th will be included in next week’s report.
NCAA
Ethan Beyer (D, R, 6’0″, 170, Brooks Bandits, 03/18/2004, Merrimack)
Committed to Merrimack, Beyer is playing for the Brooks Bandits (BCHL) this season where he had three assists in four games.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Beyer impressed with his quickness:
“Beyer is quick on his skates when he has the puck, making those tight turns and changes to slip past defenders like it is nothing. But he is really in his element when he keeps it simple, just getting that puck out of the zone with ease.”
Griffin Brown (D, L, 6’0″, 174, Lincoln Stars, 02/16/2007, Miami (Ohio))
Hailing from Morgan Hill, Calif., Brown has committed to Miami (Ohio). Currently suiting up for the Lincoln Stars, Brown is pointless through three games with the team.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Brown was described by scouts as a physical defender:
“Brown is a mid-sized, physical left-shot defenseman who moves the puck with precision and accuracy in a variety of ways. Coming from the Lincoln Stars organization, where he played both USHL and U16 this year, he has posted impressive numbers. He has a hard release on his shots, with a heavy carry that discourages forwards from getting in front.”
August Classon (D, L, 6’0″, 181, Lone Star Brahmas, 08/03/2004, UMass Lowell)
Committed to UMass-Lowell, Classon is playing for the Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) this season, collecting one assist in six games so far.
Sam Elliott (F, L, 6’1″, 161, Surrey Eagles, 03/14/2005, Merrimack)
Committed to Merrimack for next season, Elliott is playing for the Surrey Eagles (BCHL) this season. Through one game so far, he is pointless although he had 12 points in 46 games with the team last year.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Elliott impressed scouts with his work ethic:
“Elliott is an agile skater with excellent work ethic. He is shifty and plays with plenty of intensity. He has a decent touch with the puck and can also be utilized as a role player due to his speed and forechecking skills.”
Drew Hockley (D, R, 6’5″, 177, Victoria Grizzlies, 03/03/2005, Quinnipiac)
Committed to Quinnipiac, Hockley is playing for the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) this season where he has five goals and four assists for nine points in four games.
A product of Kentville, N.S., Hockley stood out thanks to his constant engagement:
“Hockley consistently demonstrates a high level of engagement and a clear desire to win puck battles. His vision and awareness on the ice are above that of his peers, enabling him to play a responsible yet dynamic style of hockey. As a puck carrier, he is a constant threat with a strong, accurate shot.”
Lincoln Krizizke (D/F, L, 6’0″, 161, Chicago Mission U16, 04/08/2008, Ohio State)
Currently playing for the Chicago Mission 16U, Krizizke has committed to Ohio State. In 85 games for the Mission 15U last year, Krizizke had 20 goals and 40 assists for 60 points.
Given a star rating of 3.5, Krizizke impressed with his slick hands in tight areas:
“Krizizke is a tall player with some wiggle off the line rush and slick hands in tight. He made crisp outlets and defended with his body and stick forcing turnovers and getting to receivers at the right times to jar pucks loose.”
Benjamin Marcolini (F, L, 5’8″, 136, Rockets Hockey Club U16, 02/18/2008, Brown)
A product of Washington, N.J., Marcolini has committed to Brown. In six regular season games with the New Jersey Rockets 16U, he has one assist.
Given a star rating of 3.5, Marcolini impressed with solid balance and speed:
“Marcolini is a decent-sized left-shot forward who possesses a good stride with balance and speed. He was constantly moving his feet, which allowed him to get in on the forecheck quickly or recover on the back check as well. He showed consistent effort and a competitive edge each shift.”
Andreas Mikrogiannakis (F, L, 5’6″, 130, Aurora Tigers, 08/18/2007, RIT)
Having committed to RIT, Mikrogiannakis is currently playing for the Aurora Tigers (OJHL) where he has six goals in seven games.
Mikrogiannakis impressed scouts with his first step quickness:
“Andreas is a skilled small forward who possesses a quick first stride that helps him reach his top speed in no time. He confidently attacks the offensive zone with pace and agility and he can stop abruptly to look for his options. When he decides to make a run towards the net, his opponents have a hard time keeping up with him as he shifts into another gear and blows past them with ease.”
Max Silver (F, R, 6’1″, 185, St. Cloud Norsemen, 01/13/2007, Colgate)
Hailing from Poway, Calif., Silver has committed to Colgate. Currently playing in the NAHL with the St. Cloud Norsemen, Silver has one assist through three games so far this season.
Ranked a 3.5 star prospect, Silver stood out with his quick and accurate release:
“Silver found the back of the net twice this week with his quick and accurate release. The first goal came on the power play when he was in the bumper position. After presenting his stick, he received a pass and backed into space to create a shooting lane. He turned his body and fired a shot to beat the goalie low on the far side, using a sharp, accurate release. Max is not afraid to be physical, both with and without the puck. He can deliver several big hits in a single shift, using reverse checks to create space for himself.”
Booker Toninato (F, R, 6’0″, 160, Dallas Stars Elite U16, 04/30/2008, Arizona State)
Committed to Arizona State, Toninato is playing for the Dallas Stars Elite 16U this season where he has three goals and four assists for seven points in seven games.
Ranked a 4 star prospect, Toninato impressed with his all-around play:
“Booker Toninato is a solid all-around player. He drives the line he is on with a hard forecheck, endless compete for pucks, and a knack for winning loose puck confrontations. At the Phoenix Tier 1 showcase, Booker showed why he is a five-on-five power play and penalty kill player. Booker plays the game responsibly and makes the proper play.”
QMJHL
Maddex Marmulak (C, R, 5’11”, 157, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, 08/31/2007, Cornell)
Having joined the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Marmulak started this season with the Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) where he had three points in four games. In two games with the Titan so far, Marmulak has not registered a point.
Ranked a 3.75 star prospect, Marmulak stood out with quick hands in traffic:
“Right shooting forward who showed off some soft hands while in traffic dragging the puck through a defenders feet while in the offensive zone.”
OHL
Grant Booth (F, L, 5’10”, 172, Sudbury Wolves, 01/03/2007)
Drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the eighth round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Booth has spent the majority of this season playing for the Espanola Paper Kings (NOJHL). In seven games, he scored three goals and added eight assists for 11 points.
Booth stood out to scouts thanks to his ability to transition the puck:
“Grant has been showing some signs of a higher skill set with his stick skills and his above-average speed. He was effective at transitioning the puck up ice and worked to establish Espanola’s presence in the offensive zone.”
Mason Walker (F, L, 5’9″, 155, Sudbury Wolves, 11/26/2008)
Drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the ninth round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Walker has also been playing in the NOJHL this season, with the Sudbury Cubs. In 10 games so far, he has scored four goals and added 10 assists for 14 points.
Given a star rating of 3.75, Walker impressed with his shiftiness:
“With his many offensive tools, Walker is Sudbury’s top offensive threat on the front side. He is shifty with quick hands and often leaves defenders behind when they are focused on the puck and not the man as was the case with his goal against EMC.”
WHL
Matej Pekar (C, L, 5’10”, 158, Seattle Thunderbirds, 09/08/2007)
Drafted by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Pekar joins the team after playing for HC Ambri-Piotta U20 last season. In two games with the Thunderbirds so far, he has been held pointless.
Pekar impressed scouts with his ability to drive offense:
“Matej is an enigmatic player in our eyes. He led the Czech team in scoring during this tournament with 3 goals and 7 assists, showcasing undeniable ability to drive offense. In doing so, he displayed some very good puck skills. He possesses a very quick-release snap shot that can fool goaltenders, and it is his go-to shot in most situations. As such, he was used in the bumper position on the Czech’s first powerplay unit. He has speed and quickness, and when in motion, he can fly.”
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling